Swelly Belly or Plumpy Lumpy

Hi Everyone:

I have heard and read about the "swelly belly" yet Im not sure if
this is what I have. I am 6 weeks out and started back to work in my 3rd week. Besides feeling VERY tired, I'm doing pretty well.
I am back to walking daily, but not as vigerous as before surgery.
The only discomfort I have is when Im walking, I feel like I have a stitch in my side, under my ribs. It's not so much pain, but like
a cramp as if you just ate and then went swimming. It goes away after I stop walking. Anyway, I have noticed that my lower belly looks rather "chubby". I weighed myself and have not really gained any significant weight, but my gut looks bigger than when I came home from surgery. This also seems worse at the end of the day. I don't really have any pain, except for some low back pain at the end of the day. I am feeling better as each day goes by, but the big gut is somewhat discouraging. Has anyone had this and will it get better? What exactly causes this and is it common to show up later (6th wk+) in recovery? Any feedback is appreciated Thank you!


Judith

It sounds like swelly belly - especially if you notice you are larger at the end of the day.

Have you mentioned this to your dr?

Some women don't get much swelly belly and others suffer for quite a long time with it flaring up when they over do things.

If you haven't noticed any swelling before, and this is a new thing -- I think it wouldn't hurt to talk to the dr.

in the mean time, try resting more, taking a few more breaks, and put your feet up when you can.

Having had the same incision twice now - i can tell you that yes it definitely does go away - in fact it was worse the first time for me than now - but as i get more active it may swell up some more i guess.

So no, you're not 'plumpy lumpy' (I love that! Sounds like a friend of chicken licken and henny penny)

Take care

Chicky